Suffolk & Norfolk: Anti Rape Campaign

More than 1000 people have watched an online film highlighting the support available to victims of rape and serious sexual assault in Norfolk and Suffolk following its launch three weeks ago.

'Look what you did' is available on Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies 'YouTube' channels and was created in support of a joint police campaign to prevent such offences across both counties.

Detective Chief Inspector David Cutler of Suffolk Constabulary, said: "Our aim was to come up with an innovative way a in which to encourage people to support or seek help from the campaign.

It is good to see so many people have watched the film which we hope helps highlight the services available to victims of such abuse."The 'Time to Stop' campaign was launched on Thursday 14th June 2012 at a Norwich bar in the heart of the city's clubland - where police in both counties will concentrate their efforts to raise awareness over the coming months.

The short film tells the story of three victims and how they were supported by specialist care provided by the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Feedback to the film and 'Rape: Time to Stop' campaign has been positive with users taking to Facebook and Twitter to share and spread the message to their online communities.

Comments received to date have included:

· 'Dumbstruck by this excellent moving vid' (via Twitter)

· 'well put together - and brings the message home I think' (via Facebook)

· 'Beautifully made and very poignant' (via Facebook)

· 'The film is incredibly moving and very thought provoking' (via email)

The campaign, which is being supported by victims of rape, aims to raise awareness of rape and sexual violence in Norfolk and Suffolk, particularly among young women and men aged 17 to 24.

In line with national trends, reported serious sexual offences in Norfolk and Suffolk have shown year on year increases since 2009 - with rape accounting for 40% of all cases.

While confidence in reporting has risen in recent years, rape remains a hugely under-reported crime and officers are keen for victims to not only report rape, but to do so as early as possible.

Det Ch Insp Cutler added: "The majority of rapes are committed by someone who knows the victim and people can get into situations they never intended to and suddenly become very vulnerable.

Too often our officers will see young women who are the worse for wear through drink and who have either wandered off or been abandoned by their friends on a night out. This can make them incredibly vulnerable.

Look after yourself and your friends when you are out and always organise safe transport home.

However, if you have been assaulted know the police and SARCs are here round-the-clock to take your call and to help."

As well as raising awareness of rape and sexual violence the campaign also aims to:

Educate prospective victims and their friends about personal safety

Educate prospective offenders on the law and consequences of committing acts of sexual violence.

LynnAmbrose, manager of the Suffolk SARC, The Ferns, said: "I am delighted we have had such positive response to the film.

"Rape is a subject that provokes strong emotions and opinions and misconceptions about rape are widespread. This is why it is really important for people to know about our service and what we do at the SARC to support any person who has experienced rape or serious sexual assault at any stage in their lives."

Detective Superintendent Katie Elliott of Norfolk Constabulary, said: "Our aim was to come up with an innovative way a in which to encourage people to support or seek help from the campaign.

It is good to see so many people have watched the film which we hope helps highlight the services available to victims of such abuse."

The Time to Stop campaign will run throughout the summer, Christmas, the New Year period and beyond. During this time adverts will be played on local radio stations, posters will be put up in bars and nightclubs and officers from both Constabularies' night-time economy teams will distribute postcards to partygoers highlighting key facts about rape and personal safety.

You can let the police know what you think of the film via Twitter (@suffolkpolice, @norfolkpolice or #LookWhatYouDid), Facebook, Google+ or email webteam@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or webteam@norfolk.pnn.police.uk